Early in August the Anderson County Commission passed a one year moratorium on industrial solar projects in the county, following a theme set by many rural counties in the area, saying NO to large solar field projects. County Commission Chair, Les McGhee says the one year time frame would give commissioners and county residents time to investigate the aspects and implications of large-scale industrial solar farms in a technology and industry that, as yet, doesn’t have much history.
McGhee said county leaders have not received any inquiries regarding a large-scale solar project, but he was aware of lease talks with some area landowners. Other counties’ have taken similar approaches in banning solar farms. Osage County passed a wind and solar ban last fall. Linn County recently extended its moratorium on solar through the end of September and Franklin County enacted a ban on wind energy in February, but kept solar farm talks open.
